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Today’s or Todays—Which is the Correct English Grammar?

Is it “todays” or “today’s?” Is there an apostrophe before the letter “s” in the plural word of “today?”

What is the definition of the word “today?”

The definition of the word “today” is “the present day.” According to Merriam-Webster, the word “today” is most commonly used as an adverb and noun. Meaning “the present day, time, or age.”

Synonyms for “today”

  • Here and now
  • Moment
  • Present

The etymology of the word “today”

The word “today” comes from the Old English word “tō dæg,” which means “to day.” Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to the present day.

“Today’s” in English

When to use an apostrophe before the letter “s”

The general rule is that if the noun is plural (i.e., there is more than one), you do not use an apostrophe before the letter “s.” So, for example, you would write “the cats are sleeping” (because there is more than one cat).

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the noun is singular but ends in the letter “s,” you would use an apostrophe before the letter “s.” So, for example, you would write “the cat’s sleeping” (because there is only one cat).

Another exception is using the possessive form of a plural noun. In this case, you would use an apostrophe after the letter “s.” So, for example, you would write “the cats’ sleeping” (because the cats possess something).

Finally, there is another instance where you might use an apostrophe before the letter “s,” which is when you are abbreviating a word.

“Today’s” example

Why use an apostrophe for possession in English grammar

The apostrophe is used to indicate possession in English grammar. For example, if you wanted to show that the cat owns the toy, you would write “the cat’s toy.” This shows that the toy belongs to the cat.

The apostrophe is also used to form contractions. A contraction is a shortened form of a word or phrase. For example, the contraction for “do not” is “don’t.” The apostrophe takes the place of the omitted letter or letters.

Finally, the apostrophe can be used to create plural forms of words. For example, if you wanted to show that there are multiple cats, you would write “the cats.” This shows that there is more than one cat.

What is the plural form of the word “today?”

The plural form of the word “today” is “today’s.” However, if you use the possessive form, you would write “today’s.” For example, “Today’s weather is cloudy.”

Which is correct, “today’s or “todays?”

If you are referring to the possessive form of the word “today,” you would write “today’s.” The plural of today is “today’s.”

Examples where “today’s” get used

Common idioms and phrases where “today’s” gets used:

  • What is today’s date?
  • What time does today’s meeting start?
  • Today’s weather looks nice outside.
  • When is today’s dinner?

When should the word “today” get used as an adjective?

The word “today” can be used as an adjective when it is modifying a noun. For example, “I have today’s newspaper.” In this sentence, the word “today” functions as an adjective.

Common questions

Questions about the English language.

Can I say, “today’s morning?”

No, this is incorrect. You would say “this morning.”

Can I say, “I have today’s newspaper?”

Yes, this is correct.

Is the word “today’s” a contradiction?

No, the word “today’s” is not a contradiction.

Is it correct to say “today’s?”

Yes, it is correct to say “today’s.”

Sources

  1. Today Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
  2. 38 Synonyms & Antonyms of TODAY – Merriam-Webster
  3. Which is Correct? Today’s meeting or Todays … – A Plus Topper
  4. Grammar: Contractions – GCFGlobal
  5. Plural Nouns Regular Irregular – Grammar CL
  6. dæg – Wiktionary
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About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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